Vocabularies

English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples

detain definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb C1
/dɪˈteɪn/

to keep someone from proceeding; to hold back, especially by official authority

"The police detained the suspect for questioning."

noun C1
/deɪˈtɒnt/

the easing of strained relations, especially between countries

"The treaty helped bring about a détente between the two nations."

Detention definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/dɪˈtɛnʃən/

the action of keeping someone in custody or confinement

"The student faced detention for his misbehavior."

deterioration definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/dɪˌtɪriəˈreɪʃən/

the process of becoming progressively worse

"There has been a deterioration in the quality of service."

determinant definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/dɪˈtɜːrmɪnənt/

a factor that decisively affects the nature or outcome of something

"Education is a key determinant of economic growth."

deterrent definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/dɪˈtɜːrənt/

Something that discourages or prevents someone from doing something.

"The new law is expected to be a deterrent against crime."

detest definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb C1
/dɪˈtɛst/

To dislike intensely or hate.

"I detest waking up early on weekends."

noun C1
/ˌdɛtəˈneɪʃən/

The act of exploding or causing something to explode.

"The sudden detonation shook the entire building."

detoxification definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/dɪˌtɒksɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

The process of removing toxic substances or effects from the body.

"Detoxification is often the first step in treating drug addiction."

verb C1
/dɪˈtrækt/

To reduce or take away the worth or value of something.

"His rude behavior will detract from his good reputation."

detriment definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈdɛtrɪmənt/

The state of being harmed or damaged.

"He continued smoking to the detriment of his health."

detrimental definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/ˌdɛtrɪˈmɛntəl/

Causing harm or damage.

"Lack of sleep can be detrimental to your performance."

deviance definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈdiːviəns/

Behavior that differs from accepted social or moral standards.

"The book studies deviance in urban youth culture."

deviate definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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deviate

verb C1
/ˈdiːvieɪt/

To depart from an established course or norm.

"He decided to deviate from the original plan."

Deviation definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˌdiːviˈeɪʃn/

The action of departing from an accepted standard or norm.

"Any deviation from the rules will not be tolerated."

adjective C1
/ˈdiːviəs/

Skillful at using underhanded tactics to achieve goals; not straightforward.

"He used a devious plan to gain control of the company."

adjective C1
/dɪˈvɔɪd/

Completely lacking or without something.

"His speech was devoid of any real emotion."

verb C1
/dɪˈvɒlv/

To pass power, responsibility, or duties to another person or group.

"The responsibility will devolve on the new manager."

noun C1
/ˌdɛvəˈtiː/

A person who is very enthusiastic about or strongly dedicated to something or someone.

"He is a great devotee of classical music."

adjective C1
/dɪˈvaʊt/

Deeply religious or sincere.

"He is a devout believer who prays every day."

dexterity definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/dɛkˈstɛrɪti/

Skill in using the hands or body; mental quickness.

"She showed great dexterity in playing the piano."

dexterous definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/ˈdɛkstrəs/

Skillful and quick, especially with the hands.

"The craftsman was dexterous in carving wood."

diabolical definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective C1
/ˌdaɪəˈbɒlɪkəl/

Wicked, cruel, or outrageously bad; resembling the devil.

"The dictator’s diabolical rule brought misery to the nation."

dialect definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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dialect

noun C1
/ˈdaɪəˌlɛkt/

A particular form of a language spoken in a specific region or by a specific group.

"He speaks a dialect of Bengali that is common in rural areas."

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dicey

adjective C1
/ˈdaɪ.si/

Risky or unpredictable; potentially dangerous.

"Investing in that company looks pretty dicey right now."

dichotomy definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/daɪˈkɒtəmi/

A division or contrast between two things that are completely different.

"There is a clear dichotomy between good and evil."

adjective C1
/ˌdɪktəˈtɔːriəl/

Having or showing a tendency to tell people what to do in an autocratic way.

"His dictatorial style made him unpopular among colleagues."

diction definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
ˈdɪk.ʃən

The style of pronunciation and word choice in speaking or writing.

"A strong diction enhances communication skills."

noun C1
/ˈdaɪhɑːrd/

A person who strongly resists change and remains loyal to a belief or cause.

"He is a diehard fan of classic rock music."

adjective C1
/ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃəl/

Relating to or showing a difference; involving a distinction.

"There is a differential treatment between the two groups."

differentiation definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˌdɪf.ə.ren.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃən/

The action or process of differentiating or distinguishing between two or more things or people.

"Strong differentiation sets brands apart from competitors."

diffuse definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
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diffuse

verb C1
/dɪˈfjuːz/

to spread over a wide area or among a large number of people

"The smell of fresh bread diffused through the entire house."

noun C1
/dɪˈfjuːʒən/

the spreading of something more widely or the movement of particles from high to low concentration

"The diffusion of information on social media is rapid."

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dignitary

noun C1
/ˈdɪɡnɪˌtɛri/

a person considered to be important because of high rank or office

"Several foreign dignitaries attended the state banquet."

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digress

verb C1
/daɪˈɡrɛs/

To leave the main subject temporarily in speech or writing.

"The professor began to digress from the main topic of the lecture."

adjective C1
/dɪˈlæpɪˌdeɪtɪd/

Fallen into disrepair or ruin due to neglect or age.

"The family lived in a dilapidated house at the edge of town."

verb C1
/daɪˈleɪt/

To make wider, larger, or more open.

"The doctor used drops to dilate the patient's pupils."

diligence definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈdɪlɪdʒəns/

Careful and persistent work or effort.

"Through diligence and determination, she completed her research on time."

verb C1
/daɪˈluːt/

To make a liquid thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent.

"You should dilute the juice with water before serving it to children."

diminution definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˌdɪmɪˈnjuːʃən/

a reduction in the size, extent, or importance of something

"The report showed a steady diminution of resources over the last decade."

adjective C1
/dɪˈmɪnjətɪv/

extremely or unusually small

"Despite his diminutive size, he was a powerful leader."

Dimple definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˈdɪm.pəl/

a small depression in the flesh, either one that exists permanently or one that forms when smiling

"Her charming dimples appeared whenever she smiled at the children."

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din

noun C1
/dɪn/

a loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise

"The din of traffic outside made it hard to concentrate."

noun C1
/ˈdɪŋɡi/

a small boat, often carried or towed by a larger vessel, used for short trips or as a lifeboat

"They rowed the dinghy back to the yacht."

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Dingy

adjective C1
/ˈdɪndʒi/

gloomy and drab; dirty or discolored

"The old hotel room looked dark and dingy."

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diorama

noun C1
/ˌdaɪəˈrɑːmə/

a three-dimensional model representing a scene, often with miniature figures

"The museum displayed a diorama of an ancient village."

diplomatic milestone definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun C1
/ˌdɪp.ləˈmæt.ɪk ˈmaɪl.stəʊn/

A significant achievement or important event in diplomatic relations.

"Hosting the summit was a diplomatic milestone."

diplomatic resolution definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
phrase C1
ˌdɪp.ləˈmæt.ɪk rɛz.əˈluː.ʃən

A peaceful solution to conflicts through negotiation and diplomatic channels.

"A diplomatic resolution is necessary for peace."

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Dire

adjective C1
/ˈdaɪər/

Extremely serious or urgent.

"The refugees were in dire need of food and shelter."

verb C1
/ˌdɪsəˈlaʊ/

to refuse to allow or accept something

"The referee disallowed the goal for offside."